[header image: flickr]

Uruguay, a quaint, lesser-known destination wedged between Brazil and Argentina, has more charm and culture to offer than one would expect. The country's beautiful natural coastline features fantastic surf conditions and sparkling sands. For most of the year, the coastline is something of a ghost town, but if you time your travel right, you can have an exciting trip and beat the large tourist crowds.

Here are some of the best lodges on the Uruguay coast.

Fasano Las Piedras, Punta del Este, Uruguay

Originally from Brazil, the Fasano hotel chain branched out to Uruguay in 2010 with the Hotel Fasano Las Piedras. This architecturally stunning lodge is located in a preserved area of La Barra and overlooks the Maldonado river. The hotel features new leisure areas such as a lounge, infinity pool, solarium, and bar. The famous Fasano Restaurant is also adjacent to this property.

Available rooms range from Superior and Deluxe Locandas, Suite and Deluxe Bungalows, and a Locanda Suite with a balcony. All rooms offer amazing views of the surrounding natural area.

Serena Hotel, Punta del Este, Uruguay

Just steps away from La Mansa beach, the Serena Hotel is an adults-only hotel featuring a spa, two swimming pools, and a Mediterranean restaurant. AN historic Uruguayan building, the location first served as a flour mill, and later as the first merchant port of Punta del Este. Guests can take in the incredible sunsets from the teak deck in the sand, or get a rejuvenating massage from the resort's spa. Readers will appreciate the library in the front lounge. Each room has a seaside view.

Playa Vik Jose Ignacio, Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Jose Ignacio, a "bohemian chic village" located twelve miles northeast of Punta del Este, is quickly becoming known as one of Uruguay's finest travel destinations, where visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, and a peaceful setting. In fact, the Playa Vik Jose Ignacio sits on the Playa Mansa, or "calm beach."

The Playa Vik's unique glass architecture allows visitors to watch Jose Ignacio's incredible sunsets and views of the vibrant coastline. One of the lodge's most remarkable attributes, however, is its 75-foot-long Uruguayan Black Absolute Nero granite pool, which features a celestial map of the southern hemisphere created by twinkling optic lights set within the pool floor. Visitors may choose between a suite or casa depending on how many guests will be traveling.

Bahia Vik Jose Ignacio, Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Located on the sand dunes of the Playa Mansa, the Bahia Vik Jose Ignacio invokes a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, all while maintaining the highest level of comfort. Each of the resort's eleven bungalows are uniquely designed, with vibrant and inviting colors and murals. Visitors may fish and sail around the iconic Jose Ignacio lighthouse. The surrounding area has plenty of nightlife, including Maldonado, Garzón, San Carlos, Punta del Este and Pan de Azúcar.

The contemporary bistro, Zodiaco Bahia Vik, was inspired by Uruguayan renowned artist and colorist, Carlos Musso, whose striking ceiling murals command the attention of diners through his mystical depiction of muses, stars, and the zodiac.

Carmelo Resort and Spa, Colonia, Uruguay

When staying at Carmelo Resort and Spa, visitors may choose whether to overlook the vineyard, the forest, or the river. That's just one of the bespoke choices Carmelo offers: the Chandra Spa and fitness center offers amenities such as cardiovascular machines, a dry sauna, massages, an indoor heated pool, and water and beauty treatments. Additionally, a focus is placed on mental and spiritual wellbeing through yoga relaxation therapies, meditation sessions, and aromatherapy. The Carmelo Resort & Spa features 20 bungalows and 24 bi-level suites, with all the services and amenities of a luxury resort. The resort rests in a forest of pine and eucalyptus.

Laguna Garzón Lodge, Uruguay

Laguna Garzón Lodge is the first floating hotel in Uruguay, located at the crossroads between the departments of Rocha and Maldonado, just on the brink of the Atlantic Ocean. The lodge is very private, with 12 rooms total and personalized service. The resort is conveniently not far from the nightlife of Jose Ignacio, La Barra and Punta del Este. The resort's restaurant, which rests on stilts above the water, offers gourmet dining crafted with local produce and seafood. Ecotourism such as bird watching, trekking, water sports, and enjoying the wonderful beaches are popular at this resort. Finally, according to guests, you'll sleep like a baby as the gentle waves rock you to sleep in your floating room.

Interested in any of these lodges? Don't hesitate to contact us today to start planning your Uruguay beach getaway.